Trial By Fire: Firefighters Undergo Live Fire Training
August 25, 2017
Firefighters from several area departments are receiving live fire training this week in the Alabama Fire College’s burn trailer at the Flomaton Fire Department. Firefighters have a chance to experience live fire in a controlled environment, practice search and rescue and safely experience a flashover effect.
Participating fire department include Flomaton, Barnett Crossroads, Brewton, McCall and Century.
Pictured: Members of the Flomaton Fire Department undergo live fire training Thursday night. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Funeral Services Tuesday For Former Sen. Greg Evers
August 25, 2017
Funeral services have been announced for former Sen. Greg Evers.
Visitation will be held Monday, August 28 from 5-7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Milton at 6797 Caroline Street.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday August 29 at 1 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Milton.
Arrangements are being handled by Lewis Funeral Homes Inc. in Milton.
Please keep the Evers family in your prayers during this most difficult time,” Senate President Joe Negron, R-Stuart, said.
Evers, a 62-year-old Republican, died late Monday night when his truck ran off a road near his home in Baker and ended up in a creek. Evers, who also served in the House, left the Senate last year to make an unsuccessful bid for Congress.
Three Minor Injuries In Pickup, 18-Wheeler Highway 29 Crash
August 24, 2017
Three people were injured when an 18-wheeler and a pickup collided in Cantonment Thursday afternoon.
The adult female driver of the pickup was transported by ambulance to an area hospital, while her two children were taken by private vehicle for evaluation.
The accident happened about 2:45 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 29 and Muskogee Road. The tractor trailer came to a stop at Highway 29 and Tree Road.
The wreck is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. Escambia County EMS, the Cantonment Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Indoor Organic Farm Promises 500 Jobs For Century, Some Questions Unanswered
August 24, 2017
Century’s empty Alger-Sullivan Lumber Company property could soon be home to an indoor organic farming operation employing up to 500 people, but some questions about the company and their plans remain unanswered.
“We are going to have somewhere between 300-500 jobs,” Stephen Simpkins of the South Carolina company Pisces Organic Farms LLC said. He said the company should be taking employment applications soon.
“We will be growing food inside those facilities which will be renovated. We will be taking applications maybe in the next 90 days for jobs but our primary purpose right now is to set the groundwork so that people know when we get here and get setup, that we are not going anywhere.”
At a recent council meeting, Mayor Henry Hawkins presented Simpkins as the future owner of the sprawling property — 330,200 square feet in eight buildings on 38 acres. The property was heavily damaged in Century’s February 2016 EF-3 tornado, including a collapse of the rear portion of the largest building. Portions of the buildings blew into, and in some cases through, houses along Front Street. Since the tornado, residents have pushed the town and Escambia County to clean up the property. Estimates for a cleanup have approached a million dollars.
Simpkins said the property would be converted into a grow facility for organic farming for products such as lettuce as well fish like shrimp, tilapia and perch. The sustainable operation plans to use solar power. Simpkins said his company was involved in a similar business in North Carolina.
“We got a customer base up the Southeast. We don’t have enough facilities. We can’t produce enough food. It’s organic food, no chemicals, no pesticides,” he said.
“We are not going to be a fly by night operation. We already operate in other states. Matter of fact, we suspended operations last year because our biggest problem is we have more people that want organic food and we don’t have enough square footage. We grow primarily indoors. Which is why that large facility is what we need to protect it from the weather and to protect it from people like Monsanto and a couple of people. You know what I am saying. These are some issues you deal with in modern day farming.”
Simpkins said the sale on the property — which is listed on real estate websites for $1.5 million — had not yet closed. Property records show it is currently owned by a holding company in Navarre.
“We are moving forward with it. We have two closing dates….there are some things we need to put in place right now before we sign the paperwork. The reason is once we sign the final paperwork we can’t use the money from the State of Florida in some instances,” he said. “In other words, if we move forward, we bypass those things the state of Florida has for us to use as far as economic development.”
One the closing is complete, Simpkins said the company would employ 300 people within 120 days and reach 500 employees in a year. He said the company would hire locally in Century first.
Simpkins interrupted his presentation during a regular public meeting of the Century Town Council to object to a NorthEscambia.com photographer taking his picture.
“You was taking that picture of me. So let me tell you this. I am copyrighted, right. Do you know what that means?,” he said.
When asked about Simpkin’s existing business and employees in North Carolina, he replied, “I’m not employing anybody right now. I got some other stuff going on too. We can talk.”
NorthEscambia.com asked Simpkins if his company had a website or operated under a different name because an internet search returned very few listings for Simpkins, his South Carolina LLC, or any business in North Carolina.
“We don’t have a website. We took it down on purpose because y’all are nosy….A lot of people start asking questions that are not really relative to the function of a business, right? People start asking questions not relative to the funding, not relative to anything,” Simpkins said.
“I got some other businesses I’m in. OK, let be frank with you. Now were are going to put between 350 and 500 people in this location right here….so the question about North Carolina, I’m here. I’m right here with you.”
“We have a contract in place. Money has been escrowed to the local attorney. It’s a green light,” he said.
During his presentation to the council, Simpkins said “We are going to move here locally, so we will be a fixture in your community…I apologize for not being here before. We have some other stuff going on in some other states…we looked at several different places, and Century was just the perfect place for several reasons.”
“We are not going to be a fly by night operation. We already operate in other states. Matter of fact, we suspended operations last year because our biggest problem is we have more people that want organic food and we don’t have enough square footage. We grow primarily indoors. Which is why that large facility is what we need to protect it from the weather and to protect it from people like Monsanto and a couple of people. You know what I am saying. These are some issues you deal with in modern day farming.”
“We are a food agency working with the USDA and the federal government.” he said.
He also said another company location was shut down because the local residents were not accepting of the business.
“We set up in several communities. In one community we shut down completely because when you come into a community and they don’t accept you with open arms people don’t want to do business with you.”
Century, however, is the perfect fit for the operation, he said.
“We picked Century because number one because it was a community that we could set a business up that it would be sustainable because there are people that need jobs. It’s not over populated so we don’t have to worry about if everybody gets an opportunity. When we say jobs, we are going to hire people that are able to work on the job. We have a veterans’ program, or people coming out of a corrections facility. We don’t discriminate.”
Simpkins said the Century-grown produce and seafood would also be sold locally and even served in a new restaurant.
“We’re actually going to set up a restaurant…we are going to set up a farmer’s store…we’ll have a wide variety of things. Local made cheese, local made things,” he said.
Town Planner Debbie Nickles cautioned Simpkins that the Alger-Sullivan property is currently zoned for industrial use, and it would take a large scale comprehensive plan amendment to change the property use to agricultural for a farming operation. She said that process could take as long as a year.
While the Century Council listened to the presentation from Simpkins, he did not make any formal request and the council took no action regarding his plan.
Following the council meeting, Simpkins refused to provide any further information about his business to NorthEscambia.com, other than to say he had a LLC and a USDA registration. He also refused to provide any contact information.
Pictured top: Century council member Ben Boutwell (seated), Stephen Simpkins of Pisces Organic Produce (center) and Alfred Phillips. Phillips stood with Simpkins during his presentation but did not speak. Pictured below: The Alger-Sullivan Lumber Company following a February 2016 EF-3 tornado. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Summer Sun And Showers Today
August 24, 2017
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. North wind around 5 mph. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph after midnight.
Friday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 91. North wind around 5 mph.
Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. North wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Saturday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. East wind around 5 mph.
Sunday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. East wind around 5 mph.
Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82.
Monday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83.
Tuesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70.
Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86.
Northview High Seeks School Advisory Council Members
August 24, 2017
Northview High School is seeking volunteers for their 2017-2018 School Advisory Council. The council meets four times each year after school. Any interested parents and community members are asked to call (850) 327-6681 ext. 221 and let the school know of your interest to serve.
Quintette Pedestrian Accident Claims One Life; FHP Seeks Clues To Man’s Identity
August 24, 2017
CLICK HERE FOR AN UPDATE TO THIS STORY
A pedestrian accident early Thursday morning in the Quintette area has claimed one life., and the Florida Highway Patrol is seeking the victim’s identify.
The accident happened on East Quintette Road just off Highway 95A about 2 a.m.
According to FHP, a 2007 Toyota Cruiser driven by Trenton Rhodes was traveling west on Quintette Road when he struck a white male pedestrian that for an unknown reason was in the west bound lane. The pedestrian was transported by Escambia County EMS to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola where he later passed away.
The victim’s identity is unknown, and he FHP is asking for the public’s help in identifying the man.
The victim was walking on Quintette Road at 2 a.m. and is described as a white male between the ages of 25-30. He had black hair and was wearing black jeans and tan work boots. He had white cell phone and white ear phones. Anyone that might know his identity is asked to call the FHP at (850) 484-5000 or email davidtodd@flhsmv.gov.
The Cantonment Station of Escambia Fire Rescue also responded to the accident.
Reader Catches Wednesday Funnel Cloud Photos
August 24, 2017
A NorthEscambia.com reader submitted these photos showing an apparent funnel cloud near Butler Street and I-65 northeast of Atmore Wednesday afternoon.
The National Weather Service in Mobile said radar showed no indication of rotation in the storms that were in that area at the time and that Wednesday’s environment was not conducive for tornadoes.
But based upon the photo and a detailed description from Mike Myrick, the photographer, the National Weather Service determined that this was likely a brief funnel cloud.
NorthEscambia.com reader submitted photo by Mike Myrick, click to enlarge.
What Do You Think? How Could Oil Spill Money Be Spent To Help Century?
August 24, 2017
The Town of Century is working on five project ideas to submit for possible funding from oil spill money through Triumph Gulf Coast…and they want to hear your ideas.
If you can’t make a planned meeting tonight, NorthEscambia.com is accepting ideas that we will present on your behalf. Email your ideas to news@northescambia.com or submit in the comment section below. It’s our effort to involve those in the governmental process that otherwise can’t attend the meeting.
The Century Town Council decided Monday night to hold a joint workshop with the Century Area Chamber of Commerce at 6:00 tonight to received project ideas from the chamber and the public. The council will then hold a special meeting at 7:00 p.m. to vote on five projects to submit to the county for possible funding.
Activities eligible for funding include ad valorem tax rate reductions, workforce skill development, local funding match requirements, public infrastructure projects, equipment and personnel for local disaster action plans, promotion of tourism and workforce and educational career development programs.
Editor’s note: Only serious ideas meeting basic criteria will be presented by NorthEscambia.com during the council’s public comment period. We can’t guarantee that every submitted idea will be presented, as our time may be limited by the council. The meetings are open to the public, and any member of the public may attend the meeting and present their ideas subject to council rules.
Escambia Fire Offering Free Smoke Detector Sign Ups At Elementary Open Houses
August 24, 2017
Escambia County Fire Rescue is partnering with the Escambia County School District to attend open house events for 12 local elementary schools, with a goal of promoting fire safety and the county’s free smoke detector program. ECFR firefighters and staff will be distributing information about the program, and attendees will have the opportunity to sign up to have a free smoke detector installed in their home.
Escambia County Fire Rescue will be attending open house events on Thursday, Aug. 31 at the following Escambia County schools:
- Blue Angels Elementary — K-2nd 5:00- 6:00 PM 3rd-5th 6:15 -7:15 PM
- C.A. Weis Elementary– 5:00 – 6:30 PM
- Ferry Pass Elementary — K-2nd 5:30-6:30 3rd-5th 6:00-6:30
- Jim Allen Elementary — 6:00 – 7:00 PM
- Longleaf Elementary — 6:00 – 7:30 PM
- Montclair Elementary — 5:30 – 6:30 PM
- Myrtle Grove Elementary – 6:00 – 7:30 PM
- Oakcrest Elementary — 5:30 – 6:30 PM
- Pleasant Grove Elementary — K-2nd 5:30 – 6:15 3rd-5th 6:30 – 7:15
- Warrington Elementary — 5:00 – 6:30 PM
- West Pensacola Elementary — 6:00 – 7:00 PM
And on Thursday, September 15:
- Molino Park Elementary — 6:00-7:00 PM (general assembly begins at 5:30)
Smoke detectors that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries. According to the National Fire Protection Association, a working smoke detector cuts the chances of dying in a reported fire in half.
For more information, contact Escambia County Fire Rescue at 850-475-5530 or fire@myescambia.com. For information about obtaining a home smoke detector, call 850-595-HERO (4376). City of Pensacola residents may call 850-436-5200 for smoke detector installation assistance.